Monarchs migrate through WNC

A program called “Bring Back the Monarchs” will be held at 2 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 22, at the Cradle of Forestry Discovery Center in the Pisgah National Forest.

The program, given by conservation specialists with the Monarch Watch program, will cover biology basics of the monarch’s life cycle and annual migration. The event offers information on threats these butterflies face in central Mexico in the winter as well as in their summer breeding habitat in the United States. Additionally, the program will cover the importance of their sole larval food source, milkweeds. Discussions will include the technique of tagging monarchs, sharing ideas for raising monarchs in the classroom and at home, and ways to grow native milkweeds and other native nectar-rich plant species for establishing Monarch way stations vital to monarch survival. Free samples of native milkweed seeds will be provided.

Admission to the Cradle of Forestry is $5 for adults; free under the age of 16 and for America the Beautiful and Golden Age passes. Located on U.S. 276 in the Pisgah National Forest four miles south of the Blue Ridge Parkway. 828.877.3130 or www.cradleofforestry.org